The popular Palisade in the US
Recently, reports regarding seatbelt issues have been received
NHTSA is currently conducting an investigation
Since its launch, the Hyundai Palisade has achieved significant success in both South Korea and the US. In South Korea, it has played a key role in popularizing large SUVs. Its unexpected popularity led to serious delivery delays, and currently, supply is falling short of demand, prompting production increases across three factories. Despite being an older model in South Korea, the Palisade has sold 11,000 units to date, demonstrating its continued appeal. In the US, it sells over 80,000 units annually.
However, a recall investigation is now underway in the US. After recalling 4,000 units earlier in 2024, Hyundai may need to recall up to 332,000 more vehicles. Let’s examine the issues driving this extensive recall investigation.
A problem was discovered where the seat belt, a key safety feature, was automatically released
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there have been 37 reports of Palisade’s second-row seat belts automatically releasing. Normally, you have to press the button on the belt fastener to release it manually, but this one releases automatically. Seat belts, which protect the safety of passengers in various accidents, are so important that they are called life belts.
When a vehicle suddenly stops due to an abrupt accident, passengers are propelled forward at the same speed due to inertia. This can lead to severe consequences, such as hitting the dashboard, throwing through the windshield, or even exiting the vehicle through an open door or sunroof. Seat belts are designed to mitigate these risks by restraining passengers and keeping them securely in their seats. The effectiveness of seat belts in such scenarios can be observed when they lock up or “snap” tightly when yanked quickly, ensuring that passengers remain protected during sudden stops.
A preliminary investigation has begun on a total of 332,288 units
The Hyundai Palisade’s defect is proving to be more severe than initially anticipated. The NHTSA has found that up to 332,288 Palisade vehicles from the 2020 to 2023 model years may be involved in this issue. The agency is conducting a preliminary investigation to assess the extent of the problem.
Following this investigation, if the findings warrant it, NHTSA could request Hyundai to initiate a formal recall. If necessary, Hyundai may also conduct an internal investigation and issue a voluntary recall. Given that the issue pertains to the seat belt—a critical safety feature—there is a strong likelihood that this could lead to a recall to ensure the safety of vehicle occupants.
Palisade produced in South Korea
Sales in South Korea are also expected to be affected
The Palisade sold in the US is produced in a South Korean factory. It was initially created at Ulsan Plant 4. Still, as mentioned above, after exports to the US began, the quantity shortage worsened, so additional production began at Ulsan Plant 2. Some Staria produced at Plant 4 was transferred to the Jeonju Plant to secure production quantity. However, there was still a shortage, so the production of sedans at Plant 5 was reduced, Palisade and Tucson were increased, and a line was constructed at the end of last year.
There is a possibility that this problem may have occurred in Palisades sold in South Korea as they were produced in South Korea, but there have been no reports of this as of yet. However, if a recall is announced in the US, it could also affect the South Korean market, so we must wait and see.
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